Of course I think highly of you

This kid is one of my favorite students of all time, and I'm sorry to say that I made him upset yesterday. He did a crummy job on his essay outline, then got a 'C' on his reading quiz, then came to me after school to talk about it. I was disappointed that he hadn't done any additional work with his crummy outline, and I told him so, then told him that I was disappointed that he seems to be more concerned for his extracurricular activities than English class. Finally, I asked him - I thought, lightheartedly, because that's how our relationship is - if he had transformed into a 'C' student this year after being an 'A' student (and a grade grubber, but in a good sense) in the 9th grade.

This was his e-mail to me yesterday evening:


Hi, (inBaltimore),

I was taking some time to let what you sad really internalize into my psyche about me being a C student. You remember that I had your English class in the 9 th grade (when you thought highly of me) and I had the drive that would get me striaght A's. That drive has never left. Although I have joined several clubs that I am unfortunately obligated to, I would think that you would still consider me an A worthy student, though I got ONE C in you class for a test that was not fair. I would hope that our previous clas time together 2 years ago has earned me some level of respect and consideration. I will ahve my thoughts on the paper to you as soon as possible.

I hope you think of me as highly as I of you,

(Grade Grubber)

We talked today and we're fine. He really is a great kid. Not brilliant, but works his tail off. He's overextended right now, though, and I told him so.